I discovered this music in the '50s. My introduction was something like this - Ellington, Gillespie, Armstrong, Parker, Ornette, Dodds, Rollins, Eldridge, Mingus, Bix, etc. A couple of years later I discovered "classical" music and learned the basics of that history. I kept growing through my teens and hope I do 'til this day. It is the "sound of surprise".
When I find folks "limited" to styles, genres etc, I go nuts. They are missing so much of Western culture and just plain pleasure. AND I admit I think these folks miss the big picture.